Oleshky Aid: 48-Hour Truce Set for Late October

Residents of Oleshky in Kherson Oblast will have a 48-hour window to receive supplies and leave the combat zone, with the truce taking effect on the night of October 27. The general staffs of Ukraine and Russia announced the pause on Friday evening to facilitate a humanitarian operation in the town currently under Russian occupation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the situation in the temporarily occupied area is dire due to Russian forces mining the roads. He expressed hope that American mediation would succeed in restoring access. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine will do its part and counted on US efforts to work, adding that an arrangement should be put into effect soon.

The White House confirmed that US First Lady Melania Trump secured the truce. The statement described a humanitarian disaster as currently unfolding in the town. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia’s agreement to the ceasefire to allow the mission to proceed.

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, specified that the humanitarian operation is scheduled for October 29. The plan includes delivering food and medicine while allowing residents to exit the zone during the pause in fighting.